Burkina Faso

The Alliance entered Burkina Faso, then a French colony, in 1923. Today, more than 69,000 believers gather in 800 hundred Alliance churches under national church leadership throughout this West African nation.

Alliance workers in Burkina spend much of their time deep in the jungle, sharing Christ’s love in remote villages with names like Samorogouan and Siri, Sirasso and Bangaso, where the people have practiced animism and fetishism for hundreds of years.

In the Kenedougou region, our workers are mentoring national pastors, and the younger brother of a village chief committed his life to Jesus. As an Alliance worker drove into the village of Temetemeso, his car filled with singing believers, a crowd of nearly 300 children surrounded the vehicle, cheering and jumping for joy.

Holistic ministry has always been part of Alliance outreach in this desperately poor country. Our workers have built and staffed health clinics and primary schools to meet medical and educational needs. The Alliance also has taught literacy classes and has established Bible schools and seminaries to train pastors and evangelists.

Demographics

Slightly larger than Colorado, Burkina Faso (105,869 sq. mi.) consists of extensive plains, low hills, high savannas, and a desert area in the north.

Languages

French (official)

native African languages (Sudanic)

Ethnicity/Race

Mossi—40%

Gurunsi, Senufo, Lobi, Bobo, Mande, Fulani—60%

Economy

Per capita income—$1,200

Inflation—2.4%

Literacy rate—27% (2003 est.)

Government/Political Climate

Parliamentary republic; Burkina Faso, formerly Upper Volta, achieved independence from France in 1960. Repeated military coups during the 1970s and 1980s were followed by multiparty elections in the early 1990s. Burkina Faso’s high population and limited natural resources result in poor economic prospects for the majority of its citizens.

Religion

Muslim—50%

indigenous—40%

Christian (mainly Roman Catholic)—10%

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